Townsville youth crime: Masked teens strike as family sleeps in South Townsville

Police are hunting a gang of masked youths after CCTV caught them stealing a car in South Townsville, later linked to other break-ins at North Ward and a brazen bag snatch on The Strand. See the video here.

Police are hunting a gang of masked thieves who broke into a South Townsville home stealing a car, handbags, and school gear — all while the family slept inside.

CCTV shows one intruder, wearing a sports jersey with the number 9, using a lighter to slip in through a flyscreen window around 2.10am on Sunday.

The masked gang grabbed personal items, including a fossil handbag and a school bag, before snatching the keys to a white 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and speeding off.

Police said the stolen Volkswagen was later spotted at two other break-ins in North Ward that same day.

It may also match the car spotted along The Strand, where a teen snatched a woman’s purse from the window of a white Volkswagen around 5pm.

As of Monday, the car remains missing.

CCTV shows masked intruder in a No. 9 jersey using a lighter to break in through a window as the family sleeps inside.

The furious homeowner took to Facebook to share the footage and plead for public help: “Any information on the suspects would be appreciated — if you recognise them etc please let me know or if anyone comes across my bag/wallet. It would be so good to get them back.”

Police are urging anyone with information or sightings of the vehicle to come forward. Investigations are ongoing.

Originally published as Townsville youth crime: Masked teens strike as family sleeps in South Townsville